Anti Suicide Blue LEDs at Tokyo Rail stations

JR (Japan Railways) installs Blue LED lights at Yamanote line stations in an effort to stem rising suicide rates in Japan. Shinjuku, Japan. 02/12/2009.

Blue LED lights have been installed at JR Yamanote line stations (Tokyo Loop line) in an effort to decrease suicides by jumping under trains. Over 2,000 people jumped under trains in Japan in 2008, accounting for 6% of all suicides in the country. At a cost of 15 million yen, or $165,000 the blue lights have been installed on all 29 stations of the Yamanote Line. The blue lights are meant to calm and soothe potential jumpers though there is little scientific evidence for this. Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world which the recent economic crisis has exacerbated. Shinjuku, Shibuya Stations, Tokyo, Japan. December 2nd to December 4th 2009